To make a bittersweet wreath when should the branches be cut? Should they still be green with leaves?

Question

To make a bittersweet wreath when should the branches be cut? Should they still be green with leaves?

Answer 1

Wait until the berries are orange.  And yes, you cut the branches.  Not sure how you'd make a wreath without cutting the branches from the plant.

Go ahead and form the wreath while the leaves are still on - the branches are more flexible them anyway.  Then hang it up to dry somewhere.  Once the leaves have dried crispy, pull them off, leaving only the berries.

Answer 2

The BEST time would be the spring; just when the sap starts to run and the branches are plump with moisture.

At this point, I would soak them no matter what.

Cut what you think you need and soak them in your tub or some other receptacle in which you can cover them with water – at least overnight. They will then be pliable enough to use as you wish. If you cut them now to be used later – the soaking process still applies but you would soak for a longer period of time. You can test the branches by trying one out. IF it snaps, they have not been soaked long enough.

Although not absolutely necessary – adding glycerin to the water helps to keep them pliable for a longer period of time.

Something else we would do was cut the branches as if we were going to keep them in a vase. Put them in a vase with water and glycerin - they will take up the water/glycerin combo and stay supple. Every couple of days cut a half inch from the bottom of each branch and make a fresh water/glycerin mixture.